The Audi A3 is already famed for offering the finish and feel of an executive class car, and as if to emphasize the point it now has the boot to complete the impression – the A3 Saloon range becomes . . .
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Audi A3 Video

Audi A3 Reviews (97)

High control efficient

Overall rating: 3
Reviewed By: Gajendar on 01 August 2015

I am using the Audi A3 sedan for 3 months, and it is excellent in all aspects. The price is also very great for the features. I really like the sunroof and the leather seats. This is highly controlled and never affects your confidence levels, and the LED lighting is bright compared with any car in the...
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Audi is best car

Overall rating: 3.75
Reviewed By: Santosh on 29 July 2016

The TDI engine is very responsive and low in noise and delivers good fuel economy too. The S-troninc transmission with the dual clutch is truly amazing and its fast in tuning up with a change of gears, with virtually no change in vehicle speed between changing of two speed It’s a wonderful car with...
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Audi A3 Overview

The Audi A3 is already famed for offering the finish and feel of an executive class car, and as if to emphasize the point it now has the boot to complete the impression – the A3 Saloon range becomes available for India as of today. The first ever booted A3 begins the Vorsprung durch Technik brand’s foray into the world’s largest market segment – the compact saloon class. It slickly integrates more seats-up load space than the A3 Sportback with similarly ample passenger accommodation and performance, the latter helped by ‘Audi ultra’ lightweight construction processes that trim weight to as little as 1,205kg.
The design of the A3 Saloon is a cross between the classic three-box concept and the coup? philosophy. Its overhangs are short, and its “tornado line” design element forms a distinct light-refracting edge that runs along the entire side. Above the side sills, the dynamic line rises more sharply than in the other two A3 models. The side surfaces have more pronounced curves, and the wheel arches are also slightly more flared. At the front, the bonnet contours, bumper and air intake design and the single frame grille have been redefined for the newcomer, while at the rear, lights with broad and low cuts emphasise the car’s horizontal lines and an integrated ‘kicked-up’ boot spoiler lends a purposeful air.

Audi A3 Exterior

Vital statistics include a length of 4,460 millimetres, a 150 millimetre increase on the A3 Sportback, and a width of 1,796 millimetres, which is 11 millimetres wider. At 1,416 millimetres in height the A3 Saloon is also nine millimetres lower. The wheelbase equals the A3 Sportback at 2,636 millimetres, providing plenty of passenger room between the axles. The boot’s carrying capacity amounts to 425 litres with the seats up – 45 litres more than the A3 Sportback. This capacity can be increased by folding down the split rear seat backs. The boot lid automatically swings upward when unlocked.
The strict dictate of ‘Audi ultra’ lightweight design is evident in the 1,205kg kerb weight, which applies to the A3 1.4 TFSI Saloon that initially kicks off the range. Audi uses many hot-formed steel parts in the passenger compartment for low weight and maximum strength, and the aluminium bonnet and front suspension sub-frame also help to lighten the load.
The defining element at the front of the car is the very sculptural single-frame radiator grille with its six corners; the bonnet continues its lines. Large air intakes at the front reflect the power of the engines. The headlights are flat and integrate a wave-shaped lower edge. Xenon plus units are either standard or optional depending on version; the LED bands that form the daytime running lights make the A3 unmistakable – especially at night. On the sides of the body, the sharply delineated tornado line – another classic element of Audi design – gives structure to the area below the windows. Above the side sills, this dynamic line rises sharply upward. Dynamically flared metal surfaces and large wheel arches lend a powerful appearance to the A3. The gently sloping C-pillars and the roof that sweeps back into a modest spoiler convey the sporty look of a coupe.
Styling at the rear with the spoiler edge above the diffuser emphasises the width of the new premium compact sedan. The split tail lights – featuring LED technology where xenon plus headlights are fitted – show a variation on the inner architecture of the front headlights. The tailgate has a sculpted, three-dimensional look. The A3 sports either one or two tailpipes on the left side in its diffuser insert, depending on the engine type. Aerodynamic refinements, including a covered underbody and engine compartment, result in a low Cd value of 0.31.

Audi A3 Interior

The sporty-progressive lines of the exterior are also reflected in the interior of the A3. As in large Audi models, the cockpit wraps around the driver in a curve. The instrument panel is slender and level; it appears to hover above the visually lightweight centre console that is angled towards the driver. The first class impression conveyed by the interior of the A3 is a reflection of stringent Audi quality standards. It is finished in more traditional black or titanium grey, but will also be available in bolder colours such as pashmina beige.
The rear seats offer space for three passengers, and easy entry is a standard convenience feature. The newly developed front seats offer excellent support and comfort; their low mounting positions emphasise the sporty character of the three-door car. The driver takes a seat behind a new steering wheel design with three or four spokes and multi-function controls, plus shift paddles where automatic transmission is fitted.
The four large, round air vents inspired by jet turbines are worthy of a special mention. By pulling the nozzle at the centre of each vent along its axis, the air stream can be adjusted from draft-free wide dispersion to a directed stream of ventilation air. The air conditioning control panel has a fascia in Piano finish black. Simple but effective user interfaces characterise the cabin. All of the buttons, switches and controls are positioned intuitively. The Driver’s Information System positioned between the two large round instruments shows all key information, some with richly detailed 3D graphics. The load area of the Audi A3 offers a basic capacity of 365 litres; luggage room grows to 1,100 litres when the split rear seatbacks are folded. The load floor can be set at two different levels – either for maximum volume or alternatively as a level cargo floor. A load-through hatch with ski bag, a reversible mat and a storage package for the interior and the load area are available as options.
Numerous options are also available in the passenger compartment, including the LED interior lighting package, a panoramic glass sunroof, sports seats, heated seats, advanced key keyless access, deluxe electronic climate control with economy mode and adaptive light for the xenon plus headlights, which can be supplemented with variable headlight range control.
The modular infotainment platform makes its debut in the A3 – it represents a big step forward in mobile communication electronics. Its layout enables, for the first time, hardware updates with little effort, so that it always reflects the latest developments. The central computer of the new MMI integrates what is known as the MMX board (MMX: Multi-Media eXtension). This plug-in module includes the fast T 20 graphic processor of the Tegra 2 series from market leader Nvidia. It is used for all voice control, online, media, navigation and telephone functions.
When the system is started, the monitor of the MMI operating system is electrically deployed from the instrument panel. Depending on the version, its screen has either a 5.8-inch or 7-inch diagonal. It has an attractive and technically sophisticated look with a high-gloss black housing made of ultra-lightweight magnesium, which is only 11 millimetres thick.
There are also important new features in the user terminal in the centre console. The rocker switches or ‘hard keys’ have been rearranged, and in the top version, MMI navigation plus, the large rotary pushbutton is a touchwheel with MMI touch, a technology first seen in the Audi A8. Its touch-sensitive surface lets drivers input letters and numbers by finger on top of the touchwheel.
The MMI radio includes a user terminal and electrically deployable 5.8-inch monitor. It can be supplemented by the connectivity package which contains the Audi Music Interface (AMI) for integrating a mobile player, a Bluetooth interface and navigation preparation. MMI navigation plus with MMI touch is available as the top version – it is a media centre with 60 GB memory capacity, DVD drive and whole-word voice control. The high-resolution 7-inch monitor shows map images in detailed 3D graphics. It links the MMI navigation plus to mobile phones and mobile player devices via the integrated Bluetooth interface.

Audi A3 Engine & Transmission

At launch, the A3 will be available with one TDI and one TFSI engine, all of which incorporate many efficiency technologies – direct injection, turbocharging, innovative thermal management and the start-stop system. All three units are ‘downsized’ in the interest of efficiency but deliver performance and response worthy of a larger capacity engine thanks to advanced turbo charging. The benefit of this concept can be seen in fuel economy improvements averaging 12 per cent.
The 1.8-litre TFSI – with an engine displacement of 1,798 cc – produces 180PS and delivers 250 Nm of torque between 1,250 and 5,000 rpm. It combines direct injection with supplemental injection into the induction pipe, varies the valve stroke based on load using the Audi valvelift system and utilises a very elaborate thermal management system to quickly heat the engine after a cold start. It enables the A3 to complete the sprint from rest to 100kmph in 7.2 seconds, to reach a 230kmph top speed.
The 2.0 TDI with 1,968 cc engine displacement also offers a high-performance thermal management system. Its two balancer shafts were relocated from the oil pan to the crankcase, which clearly improved smooth engine running. Producing 143PS and 320 Nm of torque, this diesel delivers tremendous punch. The A3 2.0 TDI sprints from a standstill to 100kmph in 8.6 seconds and reaches a top speed of 215kmph.
At launch, the 1.8 TFSI and 2.0-litre TDI engines will be linked to a seven-speed S tronic transmission as standard; the highly efficient dual-clutch transmission integrates a freewheeling function in conjunction with Audi drive select. All of these transmissions transfer power to the front wheels.

Audi A3 Braking and Safety

Behind the large wheels are powerful brakes with internally ventilated front discs. The Electronic Stability Program (ESP) which works with them improves handling and driving safety at the limits of performance by making minimal brake interventions. The new electromechanical parking brake, adopted from the larger Audi models , is operated by a button on the centre console and includes an auto release function and an emergency braking function.
Other systems complete the line-up. Audi side assist, which monitors traffic at the back of the car with radar, simplifies lane changes for the driver, while Audi active lane assist helps the driver to stay in lane by making a slight steering correction if necessary. The system’s video camera is also used by the traffic sign detection system; it shows speed limits and other traffic signs on a monitor in conjunction with MMI navigation plus. The rest recommendation system detects when the driver is fatigued, and warns the driver accordingly.

Audi A3 Performance and Handling

The well balanced chassis of the Audi A3 combines front suspension featuring a McPherson layout with wishbones, and multi-link rear suspension which absorbs longitudinal and transverse forces independently. Sports suspension which lowers the body by 15 mm will also be available, as will S line suspension lowered by 25mm for even sharper dynamics. The electromechanical power steering system operates with sensitivity, precision and high efficiency; in the straight-ahead position it does not require any energy input, and thus makes an important contribution to the overall efficiency of the Audi A3.
The A3 is also available for the first time with the Audi drive select vehicle dynamics system, which interfaces with the accelerator pedal, power steering and S tronic transmission. At the touch of a button, the system can change the operating parameters of these features between comfort, auto, dynamic, individual or efficiency modes. In the latter, the electronic climate control and adaptive cruise control systems are set at a level which maximises fuel economy.

What do we think about Audi A3?

The A3 is in a class of its own. The Audi A3 range now extends to four separate variants in diesel, and one in petrol, which will make it appealing to the broadest customer base in the history of the premium compact sedan. Prospective buyers can choose from a three-door hatch, the spacious saloon with its multiple powertrain options, giving it a premium feel and the lowest price for entry into the super luxury range. With prices starting at Rs. 22.95 lakh for the base diesel and Rs. 28.95 lakh for the petrol, the A3 is definitely the market leader of the segment.

Audi A3 Competitors

The competitors to the Audi A3 are BMW's 1-series and the Mercedes-Benz B-class. It would be however worthy to note that the 1-series is a hatch, and does without the boot, which is often seen as a prestige issue in India. Similarly, Mercedes's B-Class is more of an estate and only when the vanilla CLA comes out later this year, will it be able to offer some kind of competition.